The third race of the Auckland SailGP unfolded dramatically with the stunning Waitematā Harbour as its backdrop. With the Swiss team setting the pace early, the race was marked by thrilling position changes, penalties, and standout performances.
From the start, the Swiss team surged into the lead, crossing the line with precision and control. By the first gate, they were clearly ahead, clocking a time of 1:13. Australia (AU) and Canada (CAN) trailed closely, forming a tense chase group. As the Swiss rounded Gate 2, their lead appeared secure, but the Australians weren’t giving an inch, staying within striking distance.
At the 2:10 mark, Australia briefly seized control, showcasing their aggressive tactics and determination. However, the Swiss quickly reclaimed their position, solidifying their dominance. By Gate 3, the Swiss were 17 seconds ahead of Australia, with Canada maintaining a steady third-place position. The middle of the pack saw intense battles as teams jostled for better placements, with New Zealand (NZL) languishing disappointingly in last place.
New Zealand’s performance remained underwhelming throughout the race. A penalty for failing to give boundary room to Great Britain (GBR) compounded their woes early on. At Gate 3, NZL was ninth, over a minute behind the leaders. It’s hard not to question whether the inexperience of key team member Leo Takahashi might be contributing to their struggles. While every sailor faces a learning curve, the stakes at SailGP leave little room for error.
By Gate 4, the Swiss clocked in at exactly 5 minutes, still holding a commanding lead. Australia and Canada followed, with Spain and Denmark making notable efforts to close the gap. Brazil, a new team with the first-ever female driver, remained near the back of the fleet but showed moments of promise, steadily gaining experience.
The Swiss continued their unrelenting pace through Gate 5, clocking 6:31 and maintaining a 13-second advantage over Australia. Canada held third, while New Zealand began to show signs of recovery, moving up to sixth place by the start of Leg 6.
As the race entered its final stretch, the Swiss cemented their victory, crossing the finish line in just under 8 minutes (7:55). Australia secured second place, followed by Canada in third. The rest of the fleet streamed in behind them in quick succession: Spain, Denmark, New Zealand, Italy, Brazil, the UK, and finally, the USA, who faced multiple penalties for boundary infractions.
Can New Zealand Find Their Rhythm? Despite showing improvement late in the race, New Zealand’s overall performance raises questions about their team dynamics and strategy. Can they overcome their early struggles and deliver consistent results?
Will Australia Close the Gap in Coming Races? Australia who has shone so brightly in previous SailGP regattas and won the previous race needs to do better in all their races; they’re capable, but how will they do it?
Are Great Britain a One Race Pony? Won once, and then dropped performance. They’re capable of better but will they perform?
What Does the Future Hold for Brazil? As a new entrant with groundbreaking representation, Brazil’s journey will be one to watch. Can they leverage their potential and move up the ranks?
Auckland’s Race 3 delivered high drama and showcased the intense competitiveness of SailGP. With the Swiss firmly on top, the stage is set for even more thrilling contests in this high-stakes series. The question remains: who will rise to challenge their dominance?
